Today's modern AEDs have the following in common:
 Use
All modern AEDs are easy to use. These AEDs will instruct the user with easy to follow, step-by-step verbal instructions throughout the entire rescue process.
Safe
All modern AEDs are safe to use by any lay person because these are programmed to deliver a shock ONLY if patient needs it.
The decision whether the patient needs a shock or not is made by the AED and not the rescuer. Therefore, even if the rescuer
accidentally presses the shock button, the AED unit will not deliver the shock. The shock button is only activated when a SHOCKABLE rhythm is detected, ( a person in cardiac arrest).
Electrode Pads
All electrode pads are single use only (disposable).
These have a sticky gel coating that can dry out with time, that is why these have an expiration date.
Check expiration date periodically and keep a second set of electrode pads as backup.
Batteries
All AEDs comes with a non-rechargeable lithium battery. Usually last 2 to 4 years in service and then it needs to be replaced.
Biphasic Waveforms
Early AEDs were Monophasic (less effective).
All modern AEDs are Biphasic, which means, the electrical shock travels in the body from electrode pad A to pad B
and then from pad B to pad A. All of our AEDs are biphasic.
Types of AEDs
There are two types of AEDs:
Escalating Energy AED: This type of AED will automatically adjust and output (shock patient) with incremental strength of energies if needed. These types of AEDs are more efficient.
Non-Escalating Energy AED: This type of AED is not capable of escalating energy shocks and it outputs only one strength of energy. It lacks the ability to output incremental strength of energies if needed.
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AED RESOURCES
